From time to time we interview a client or former client about his or her career transition and their experience with Kelleher Associates. 

KAI: What are some of the highlights of your career to this point?

Ed: First and foremost is my graduation from the U.S. Military Academy, and my tours in the active military. I'm also proud of my experiences as the manager of HR at Ryder Systems (Dallas, TX), the director of HR at the St. Paul Companies (St. Paul, MN), my achievements at the VP for HR at Pennsylvania Hospital (Philadelphia, PA) and at the Franklin Mint (Franklin Center, PA). I've been in five or six different industries at all levels and in a number of different parts of the country. It's been good for me, as I have a breadth of experience in a number of organizations where a change is involved, either through growth and expansion, or through reduction. When Texas Instruments (Dallas, TX) recruited me out of the military, my first position was in an operations role, but one of my extra duties there was recruiting and training new employees. I developed a passion around the HR aspect of business, and it has been a natural fit for me based upon my military experiences and leadership training.

KAI: What triggered this recent career transition?

Ed: I was the Chief Human Resources Officer for Newcourtland Elder Services (Philadelphia, PA), and unfortunately in the past year or so they have been undergoing some cost pressures. They went through a reorganization process where the corporate HR function was dissolved, and my job went away. I had a choice of outplacement services sponsored by the company, and I didn't really know much about Kelleher Associates but a colleague had brought them to my attention. What drew me to them was the intimacy and personal attention they afforded their clients, and I thought that it would be best for me.

KAI: Why would an HR professional need outplacement services?

Ed: There's experience from one side of the desk, and experience from the other. I have experience administering layoffs, not being laid off. One of the things that I found in working with Kelleher Associates is that part of the process is not just finding a job, but to step back and do some self-evaluation. It's a necessary step that is often overlooked - to do some self-analysis, evaluate where I'm strong, and what I'm good at. This is a life experience, and sometimes you need to re-set yourself before you go forward. I needed to re-set, take stock of what I've done, and determine what I wanted to achieve in the future. There were a number of different things that Kelleher Associates did with me, that I might not have done on my own. 

KAI: Can you describe the value gained from working with Kelleher Associates?

Ed: I really understood myself better after this process - what conditions I thrive in, what drives me. Through the tools they use and the consultations with them, they helped me really understand myself and build self-awareness. They also helped me understand that there are other things that are important in my life beyond a job - the importance of networking, the importance of friendships and relationships. Actually, Ed Kelleher advised me not to just look for a job that was available, but make sure I was searching for something I really wanted. One of the key things of value I gained from my experiences with Kelleher Associates was the satisfaction I gained in helping others. I found the most joy comes when you help a colleague find a job, or give advice to a colleague. It was something I didn't think I'd experience, but it was refreshing and energizing. Finding a job was just a portion of the overall experience - knowing how you want to move forward in life was the real treasure. 

I was also challenged to extend myself. They give you good feedback, on things like your presentation style, your resume, and your interviewing skills, in a constructive, professional way. I found everyone at Kelleher very knowledgeable, they have considerable life experience…a lot of wisdom. I received great advice in a number of different areas: developing a resume, interviewing, post interview communications, networking, etc. Working with Kelleher gave me access to a tremendous wealth of experience. Engaging with the staff, counselors and support staff, they treat you with respect and dignity at a time when you might lose a little self-confidence. Helping you energizes them, and it energizes you. I didn't feel lost or like a number - you got the sense that they really care about you. They take pride in their business and differentiate themselves from a number of outplacement firms by the excellent personal service that is delivered. 

KAI: Did Kelleher Associates help you do things that you might not have done yourself?

Ed: Putting a process and a discipline around preparing for the interview is something that I would not have done. They really prepare you well, helping you develop a rationale, assisting you verbalize what you bring to the table, helping you memorize that rationale. I probably wouldn't have done that - I would have just figured I knew it. It really helped my confidence in the interview process. I felt well prepared for all of my interviews and I was able to really focus on the fit and comfort level. 

KAI: How did you find your new position at General Fiber Communications?

Ed: I found this position through a networking contact that gave my name to a search firm. General Fiber Communications is an infrastructure services company with three different business segments, including broadband services, government services, and satellite. It's an exciting business, and growing fast. When I first came on board in April, we had 530 employees, and we now have over 1,200 employees around the U.S. It's been challenging, but it's been great. My relationship with Kelleher Associates continues. They are an excellent resource that gives sound advice and mentorship.